This fragrance-free body lotion from CeraVe is said to exfoliate skin, and to that end it contains the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) ingredient salicylic acid. Although salicylic acid is an exfoliating superstar, its effectiveness in that regard depends on the product’s pH, which is where this product falls down a bit. After several tests, we determined that the pH of SA Renewing Lotion is 4.5, which is beyond the ideal range (pH 3–4) salicylic acid needs to function optimally as an exfoliant. With a pH of 4.5, you’ll likely get some efficacy against breakouts and chicken skin (keratosis pilaris) but not as much as you would from a BHA body lotion with a lower pH, such as Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA. This product also contains the AHA derivative ammonium lactate, but again the higher pH keeps this from working as well as it could.

What about using this as a regular body lotion? Its silky, slightly emollient formula contains some very good ingredients for normal to dry skin, and it is absolutely worth considering for all-over smoothing and hydration without a greasy feel. Like CeraVe’s other body lotions, it contains a good mix of skin-repairing ingredients but is short on antioxidants.

I didn't have much problem with acne growing up, but I did have several small bumps covering my entire forehead. I tried several products and nothing ever made it go away, not even exfoliating. Using this product made it disappear miraculously. I can't remember how long it took, but before I knew it the bumps went away and it made my makeup apply smoother than ever before. I can even go out without wearing concealer or foundation and feel completely comfortable. It makes my skin smooth, soft, bright and bump free. However if you have oily skin, I would avoid using this in the morning. I used to have dry skin and using this twice a day has made me less dry. Which is another perk! Unfortunately, it made me more oily. I still use it at night so that my skin exfoliates and is good to go for the next day, but I find that I can't use it in the morning or I will produce too much oil throughout the day.

The main ingredients in this lotion, ammonium lactate and salicylic acid, work together to both soften the skin and exfoliate the bumps. The ammonium lactate works from the upper layer of the skin to smooth, soften, and hydrate and the salicylic acid works under the skin to break up the keratin build up, dissolve oily sebum, clean any bacteria, and because salicylic acid is derived from aspirin it is an anti-inflammatory agent excellent for calming irritated bumps and redness. KP typically responds better to salicylic acid, which is why I purchased this product. AmLactin is a great alternative for treating KP, but it only contains ammonium lactate, which doesn't penetrate below the surface to clear the plugs. It helps only to soften the plugs. This lotion is safe to be used as needed throughout the day, and if you have dry hands like I do, you don't need to wash your hands after application. I know this beautypedia entry says this lotion doesn't have the right pH to be effective, but I have found this product to be THE MOST EFFECTIVE in treating my KP. Everyone's skin is different, and everyone's KP is different but I can't recommend this product enough to anyone I know suffering from KP! Highly, highly recommend this product. After 1 week of use, it's like I never had KP. My skin is smooth, soft, even in tone, not rough or sandpapery - and for the first time since puberty I love showing off my skin!

I have been using this lotion for about a month and it has virtually eliminated my breakouts and lessened the number and obviousness of my blackheads significantly.

I always use the Cetaphil cleanser for oily skin, then follow with 10% benzoyl peroxide lotion (Clean&Clear) day and night. Then, I alternate between using Neutrogena Oil-Free Lotion with SPF 35 during the day and this SA Renewing Lotion at night. Occasionally (once a month) I will do an at-home AHA (glycolic acid) peel just for fun! :) Lastly, I check all of my makeup for comedogenic ingredients. It has been an effort to assemble this regimen but I finally found a pattern that works for me. No more adult acne!!

The first few times I used the SA lotion it caused a bit of sensitivity, but in the morning my skin felt baby soft, which encouraged me to keep using it. I'm glad I did. The value for the money on this lotion is great (you get 8 oz as compared to the usual 3-4 oz package of facial lotions).

I'm excited to continue to use this and other BHA-containing lotions in the future!

Can this be used on the face? I have very sensitive skin with some breakouts, it didn't irritate the spot where I tested it, but not sure if it's helping breakouts. TIA

Beautypedia Team Response:Hey there! Thanks for asking. You could definitely try it on your face. Most of the ingredients here are found in traditional facial moisturizers anyway. Just be mindful for any changes in your skin that may be a sign of irritation. If it feels good, though, feel free to use it there! Because there is an AHA derivative in this product, though, make sure (as always!) that you're using a well-formulated, broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30+ as well. :)

CeraVe SA is your daily defense against extremely dry skin. Its patented MVE formulation releases ceramides and other essential ingredients throughout the day, so they penetrate deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish. It always has the power of salicylic acid to loosen and exfoliate dead skin cells, allowing moisturizing ingredients to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin for enhanced effectiveness. The result is soft, silky smooth skin that looks and feels great.

This expanding collection of skincare products keeps things gentle and effective with fragrance-free formulas, many of which are more state-of-the-art than any other product in its price range or pricier versions at the drugstore. In short, this line is a real find!

CeraVe uses a delivery system the company refers to as Multivesicular Emulsion Technology, which releases key ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid over a period of several hours. Although this technology is undoubtedly helpful, such time-delayed delivery systems aren't unique to CeraVe, and the fact remains that most of the ingredients they use are very helpful on their own, no matter what delivery system you use.

The important point is that ongoing, consistent use of this kind of moisturizer designed to repair the skin's barrier function will result in smoother, softer, healthier skin.

It is for these reasons that most CeraVe products are definitely worth considering, especially at this price. You'll find a options for moisturizing, cleansing, broad spectrum sun protection, and baby care.

For more information about CeraVe, call 866-819-9007 or visit www.cerave.com.

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The Beautypedia and Paula’s Choice Research teams have one mission: To help you find the best products for your skin, whether they’re from Paula’s Choice or another brand. By combining efforts, we’re able to share scientific research and remain committed to the highest standards based on our decades of experience objectively reviewing thousands upon thousands of skincare and makeup formularies in all price ranges.

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This expanding collection of skincare products keeps things gentle and effective with fragrance-free formulas, many of which are more state-of-the-art than any other product in its price range or pricier versions at the drugstore. In short, this line is a real find!

CeraVe uses a delivery system the company refers to as Multivesicular Emulsion Technology, which releases key ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid over a period of several hours. Although this technology is undoubtedly helpful, such time-delayed delivery systems aren't unique to CeraVe, and the fact remains that most of the ingredients they use are very helpful on their own, no matter what delivery system you use.

The important point is that ongoing, consistent use of this kind of moisturizer designed to repair the skin's barrier function will result in smoother, softer, healthier skin.

It is for these reasons that most CeraVe products are definitely worth considering, especially at this price. You'll find a options for moisturizing, cleansing, broad spectrum sun protection, and baby care.

For more information about CeraVe, call 866-819-9007 or visit www.cerave.com.

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